Costco shoppers can get money back from $3.875 million overcharge settlement – but you need to look for a postcard

COSTCO shoppers who bought certain cans of tuna may be entitled to free money from a settlement.

The $3.875 million settlement came after a class action lawsuit was filed against two canned tuna companies but eligible recipients must look for a postcard in the mail.

StarKist and Lion Capital were accused of conspiring to raise and fix the price of its "food-service size" packaged tuna products.

The first is a canned tuna brand; the latter is a private equity company that previously owned the Bumble Bee canned tuna brand.

Food-service packages are 40 ounces or greater in size.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit accused the companies of conspiring with manufacturers to raise and fix the price of these products.

This alleged conspiracy resulted in consumers being overcharged.

Both StarKist and Lion Capital denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay a total of $3.875 million to resolve the claims.

However, StarKist will pay the bulk of the settlement, shelling out $3.6 million.

Lion Capital will only pay $275,000.

ELIGIBILITY

Qualified customers can claim a payment if they meet three criteria.

• Bought one of the products at Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, US Foods, or Walmart
• Purchased between June 1, 2011, and December 31, 2016
• Received a postcard listing the qualified purchases

The postcard replaces the need for any receipts.

It details the value of each purchase, which will determine individual payments.

There is no estimated payment amount as the cash will vary pro-rata depending on how many claims are filed.

Also on the postcard is a Class Member ID that must be used to file a claim.

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all "class members," or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions - offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company's doorstep.

Shoppers of all retailers may be eligible for a settlement regarding Clif Bars.

Clif Bar & Company was sued over alleged labeling issues with its products.

Plaintiffs in the case accused the company of misleadingly suggesting the bars were healthy despite their added sugar content.

Clif Bar claimed its products were not unhealthy due to added sugars and that the bar labels were accurate and not misleading.

However, the company agreed to pay $12 million to resolve the claims.

A hearing scheduled for November 14 will determine whether to approve the settlement.

If it is approved, shoppers who bought Clif Bars in California or New York between April 2014 and March 2023.

Similarly, Bank of America customers may qualify for a payment from a $21 million settlement.

Pet parents may be eligible for a payment from a $825,000 poop bag settlement.